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2 clusters · 6 sources · 26 days · First seen · Last updated

Russian influence expansion in Madagascar

Overview

Following a coup in Antananarivo on October 12, 2025, which resulted in the flight of the sitting president, Colonel Michaël Randrianirina assumed power. The new administration initiated a rapid rapprochement with Moscow.

By December 20, 2025, a flight carrying 40 personnel led by GRU General Andrey Averyanov, identified as a suspected supervisor of the paramilitary Africa Corps, arrived in Madagascar. Between December 2025 and April 2026, the country received various shipments of military equipment, including helicopters, tanks, drones, and rifles, often categorized as donations. Authorities have also confirmed the presence of Africa Corps instructors providing training to Malagasy military forces as Russia seeks to establish a strategic foothold in the Indian Ocean.

Entities

Russia · Michael Randrianirina · Central African Republic · Andrey Averyanov · Faustin-Archange Touadéra

Timeline

  1. [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Russia expands strategic influence in Central African Republic

    Russia has significantly expanded its military and economic influence in the Central African Republic through security partnerships and control over strategic mining and energy sectors.

  2. [INTERNATIONAL] 4 sources
    Russia expands strategic influence in Madagascar

    An investigation reveals Russia is rapidly expanding its military and political influence in Madagascar through paramilitary groups and arms shipments following a 2025 coup.

Sources

giaoducthoidai.vn · nigeractu.info · ouagadirect.com · rfi.fr · soha.vn · watson.ch